...at National Anthems that is!
Without a doubt, the Italian anthem is the most stirring evocation of World Rugby anthems. Fiery, proud, pacy and well, just right... can't wait until tonight as another of the contenders for my top five is there (rubbish words though - which is a shame) Scotland. Without further ado (oh well, maybe a bit...) here's my top five Anthems:
1 Italy
2 France
3 New Zealand (with the proviso that they already sing it in two languages but should be a few more...)3a) Scotland
4 Portugal
5 Ireland (surprise version!)
No sweat!!!! Scotland through to quarter finals bring on Argentina Id like to say Ireland but I think not which is a shame but i willbe watching tomorrow and hoping! and cheering them on
Posted by: annie | 30 September 2007 at 00:08
I actually listened to all the anthems. I agree with your choices, I love them all but are we going to say New Zealand have the best team and the best anthem! thats just not fair!!
Posted by: annie | 30 September 2007 at 00:45
I personally think that south africa have a fantastic natioanl anthem. They actually sing it in 5 different languages, so i think that tops New Zealand with the two languages. This is the order it goes in: Xhosa (first stanza, first two lines), Zulu (first stanza, last two lines), Sesotho (second stanza), Afrikaans (third stanza) and English (final stanza).
Posted by: Alex | 30 September 2007 at 21:18
Hello Alex, interesting things that I did not know about the South African national anthem - thanks. I made the point about the New Zealand anthem simply because they have a history of 'farming' the best players from the South Sea Islands - which might be reflected in the NZ anthem that's all. South Africa (as far as I know) have not bought in any decent players from the Indian Ocean or the Atlantic...
Posted by: Martin | 30 September 2007 at 21:59
Exactly!
If the All Blacks members actually played for their true countries, the haka would look a lot less effective!
Posted by: Emilie-Italy | 01 October 2007 at 12:14
...and France would possibly have a lot less to worry about for next week.
Posted by: Emilie-Italy | 01 October 2007 at 12:19